PNP ready to give security for opening of classes on Aug.24

July 20, 2020

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday said they are ready to provide assistance as opening of classes is scheduled to push through on August 24.

In his press briefing, Police General Archie Francisco Gamboa said they are prepared to provide its traditional support to the Department of Education (DepEd) through their Brigada Eskwela and Pulis Ko, Titser Ko programs.

"We will undertake the necessary activities and operations, including implementation of security plan, attending coordination meetings with DepEd offices, LGUs (local government units), PTA (Parent-Teacher Association), volunteer groups, and stakeholders to carry out public safety services, conduct assessment on the security and safety operations for DepEd personnel who will deliver printed and digital modules to hard-to-reach areas," Gamboa said.

Gamboa it has been the practice of their local police units to provide security for students, teachers, and parents.

“As has been the practice, local police units will be responsible in providing security in places of convergence, transportation hubs, and learning institutions to protect  students, teachers, and parents from criminal elements who may take advantage of the situation,” he said.

As of July 17, DepEd said there are 21,344,915 enrollees in basic education for the combined public and private schools for school year 2020-2021 at the end of enrollment period.

The figures represents 76 percent of last year’s enrollment.

For public schools, the enrollment is 20,147,020, representing 88 percent of school year 2019-2020 enrollment.

“We anticipate the figures to still increase in the coming weeks due to a lag in reporting of enrollment data, especially from private schools,” DepEd said in a statement.

“We are optimistic that we can meet our adjusted target of 80 percent of last year’s enrollment or 27.7 million submitted to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA).  Ella Dionisio/DMS